There’s nowhere better to be than at sea to watch the 50-odd traditional vessels that are expected to attend. But for those not afloat there are good vantage points at the point at Harty Ferry, on Tankerton slopes and down at Herne Bay where competitors round the outer mark just off the pier. The first start is at 10.30 from Sand End in the East Swale and you can expect vessels to heading back into the Swale around 2pm onwards. More info at www.kentishsail.org
Local boating clubs are invited to accompany the Admiral of the Medway (the Mayor) on this annual two-day cruise hosted by Rochester Cruising Club. There will be a briefing for interested skippers at the club on Wednesday 26 June. An informative article by Fred Trice about this unique event can be found here.
This photo was captured just after the start of the race using the MSBA’s own CCTV camera in Gillingham Reach. This year the Barge Match is part of the Medway Regatta, of which the MSBA is a sponsor.
Sue Ballard very kindly sent us this framed photo which her mother, Mavis Crocket, bought in an antique shop many years ago. It’s identified as the 1982 Swale Match. Can anyone identify the boats?
This year’s Swale Smack and Sailing Barge Match will take place on 9-11 August
The 2019 Regatta will be held over the late May Bank holiday starting on Saturday 25th and concluding on Monday 27th May. The event will include the annual Medway Barge Match on Saturday and the Classic and Vintage International Championships. The racing is competitive and fun and is open to both the serious racer and those who want to compete in a more relaxed manner (class 3). There will be racing in three cruiser classes and three one design classes. We are introducing prizes for best visitor and best club team so plenty of chances to go home with a prize. On Sunday we will race the Medway Challenge Race for those who wish to compete in a single race again with prizes for best visiting yacht and best club team. If you cannot make the whole Regatta why not cruise to MYC on Saturday race on Sunday and cruise home again on Sunday. The Medway and Swale Boating Association is sponsoring the event and has negotiated a 50% discount for boats from MSBA associated clubs, marinas and other organisations entering this race as long as entries are received before midnight on Tuesday 7th May. Full details can be found at www.medwayyachtclub.com. We will be happy to find free moorings for visiting competitors.
Please note that the Medway Dinghy Regatta is another event, now called the Wilsonian River Challenge, and will be held on 1+2 June.
The Wilsonian River Challenge (formerly the Medway Dinghy Regatta) is part of the Great British Sailing Challenge Summer Sailjuice Series. Entry is via the Sailracer website.
Mike Wood, Cruiser Captain of Greenwich Yacht Club, invites us to join the annual Frostbite Race from Greenwich YC to Erith YC on Sat 23 March and back again on the following day. This is a well-established open event. For an entry form, sailing instructions etc please email Mike at cruiser@greenwichyachtclub.co.uk or visit http://www.greenwichyachtclub.co.uk/activities/racing/open-racing-forms/category/frostbite
Wayfarer Southern Areas at Medway YC
© Richard Janulewicz / www.sharkbait.org.uk
Note the main around the Island race this year is on SUNDAY 9 September. Full details at www.iossc.org.uk/islandrace
Photo Victoria Katherine Wright
With 17 entries received so far from 6 different clubs this event will no doubt be highly competitive. The event will comprise a series of thirteen races with a maximum of four races to be sailed each day, races will be run over in windward/leeward courses apart from a single distance race which will will be run on one day. In addition to some great racing a number of social events will be open to all MYC members. Read more…